Stearns Wharf was full of smiles Sunday night as hundreds of people gathered to watch the 39th annual Parade of Lights.

Families, friends, pets and visitors packed onto the wharf to watch as roughly 30 boats made their way from Leadbetter Beach, sailing down to the Cabrillo Pavilion, and then back along the coast to Stearns Wharf.

Kathy Buck was getting her first experience with the parade after moving to Santa Barbara from Chicago this past August.

“I was super excited to see this,” Buck said. “It seemed like it’d be a gorgeous sight on a beautiful night.”

Buck said she and her family were looking forward to seeing all the festive boats, and she was hoping to stay long enough to catch the fireworks show at the end of the parade.

“It’s great to see so many people out and about, especially so many young kids,” Buck said.

As boats paraded by, passengers played Christmas songs, danced and shouted “Merry Christmas” to people watching from the wharf.

Some families opted to have their dinner on the wharf and enjoy a seaside picnic as the boats passed them by.

Across from the ice cream shop on the wharf, local DJ Darla Bea was playing some Christmas music for people to enjoy during the parade.

The day of festivities started at 2 p.m. with dozens of stand-up paddlers and kayakers dressed in festive outfits making a loop around the harbor and Stearns Wharf. 

The city pier at the Santa Barbara Harbor was transformed into a winter wonderland from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, giving families a chance to meet Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and elves, take home some goodie bags, and play in 10 tons of snow. 

After the parade, spectators enjoyed a brief fireworks show that illuminated the sky above the waterfront.

This year’s parade was planned by the 2025 Parade of Lights Committee and was sponsored by the city of Santa Barbara Waterfront Department, Santa Barbara Harbor Merchants Association, Stearns Wharf Business Association, and the Santa Barbara Yacht Club.